Thursday, February 16, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


KNU Chairman Meets KIO Central Committee in Laiza

Posted: 16 Feb 2017 07:39 AM PST

Representatives from the two groups release a statement pledging 'collaboration to achieve peace; by seeking the best and necessary approaches.'

The post KNU Chairman Meets KIO Central Committee in Laiza appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Stakeholders Fight for Conflicting Visions of Ngapali Shoreline

Posted: 16 Feb 2017 06:54 AM PST

Guesthouse owners want taller buildings to cope with an influx of visitors, but tourists want to keep current height limits; Parliament will decide.

The post Stakeholders Fight for Conflicting Visions of Ngapali Shoreline appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Chinese Farmers Trespass on Burmese Soil, Lawmaker Claims

Posted: 16 Feb 2017 04:36 AM PST

The Lower House lawmaker asked the government to take action, saying that Chinese farmers had encroached on about 10 acres of Burmese land.

The post Chinese Farmers Trespass on Burmese Soil, Lawmaker Claims appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Who is Aung Win Khaing?

Posted: 16 Feb 2017 04:28 AM PST

A President's Office statement named retired Lt-Col Aung Win Khaing as a suspect in the death of NLD lawyer U Ko Ni.

The post Who is Aung Win Khaing? appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

International Partners Pledge Support for Bagan Renovations

Posted: 16 Feb 2017 03:22 AM PST

During a conference in Bagan, international experts and UNESCO representatives share assessments and findings of the post-earthquake restoration work.

The post International Partners Pledge Support for Bagan Renovations appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Rangoon Govt Issuing Smart ID Cards to Squatters

Posted: 16 Feb 2017 03:13 AM PST

The divisional government is surveying the population of squatters across 13 townships in Rangoon and printing identity documents.

The post Rangoon Govt Issuing Smart ID Cards to Squatters appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Displaced Persons Ordered to Leave Kachin Camp

Posted: 16 Feb 2017 03:02 AM PST

Militia leaders in Kachin State Special Region-1 threaten to burn down IDP camp if it is not vacated as soon as possible.

The post Displaced Persons Ordered to Leave Kachin Camp appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Man Found Dead on Boat Drifting off Arakan Coast

Posted: 16 Feb 2017 12:09 AM PST

Body sent to Gwa Township hospital for post-mortem examination as investigators suspect the man died from starvation.

The post Man Found Dead on Boat Drifting off Arakan Coast appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Burma Says Security Operation in Troubled Arakan Has Ended

Posted: 15 Feb 2017 10:16 PM PST

The crackdown underway since early October sparked widespread allegations of serious human rights abuses.

The post Burma Says Security Operation in Troubled Arakan Has Ended appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Authorities Block Kachin National Conference

Posted: 15 Feb 2017 09:55 PM PST

Around 100 police gather at Myitkyina's Manaw Park after government rejects a request by the Kachin National Consultative Assembly to use Majoi Hall.

The post Authorities Block Kachin National Conference appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

National News

National News


Businesses-to-population ratio Myanmar lowest in region

Posted: 15 Feb 2017 11:47 PM PST

The ratio of private businesses-to-population of Myanmar is about three times lower than that of the least-developed countries in the region, according to the Myanmar Business Survey (MBS).

Restoration of Alaungtaw Katthapa National Park

Posted: 15 Feb 2017 11:23 PM PST

A 10-year habitat restoration program is being drafted for Alaungtaw Katthapa National Park in Sagaing Region, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation.

Land owners face prosecution over illegal timber, says Yangon Forest Department

Posted: 15 Feb 2017 11:20 PM PST

Owners of timber yards will be prosecuted if illegal timber is found stored on their land, warned the Yangon Forest Department.

More Chinese funds for quake-hit Bagan pagodas

Posted: 15 Feb 2017 11:15 PM PST

More than US$1 million has been received from domestic and international donors to repair earthquake-hit Bagan pagodas and religious buildings, Union Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture Thura U Aung Ko said.

Transfer of teachers based on skills rejected

Posted: 15 Feb 2017 11:08 PM PST

Civil society groups and teacher unions in Myanmar have decried the government's decision to transfer teachers based on their skills as unfair and said it is likely to have serious consequences on the education system.

Myanmar and Israeli eye surgeons conduct free surgery

Posted: 15 Feb 2017 11:07 PM PST

Myanmar eye surgeons along with their fellow doctors from a voluntary organisation from Israel named 'Eye from Zion' will be giving free oculoplastic surgery for patients with eye problems and glaucoma over a period of three days this month.

Drastic drop in malaria cases in Mandalay Region

Posted: 15 Feb 2017 11:06 PM PST

Malaria cases have dropped by more than 50 percent in Mandalay Region, thanks to increased awareness and improved public health care services, said Dr Tint Wai from the Regional Department of Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases through Insect Carriers.

Ex-army man believed to be mastermind of NLD lawyer U Ko Ni’s murder

Posted: 15 Feb 2017 11:03 PM PST

A former military officer has been identified as the alleged mastermind of the murder of prominent lawyer U Ko Ni, according to a statement from the President's Office.

NLD approves appointment of Shan branch vacant seats

Posted: 15 Feb 2017 11:00 PM PST

The ruling party, National League for Democracy (NLD), has approved the appointment of vacant seats for the executive party members of its Shan State branch, even though the state's ruling party members have objected to the appointment by the NLD headquarters.

21st Century Panglong Conference postponed to mid-March

Posted: 15 Feb 2017 10:56 PM PST

The second batch of the 21st Century Panglong Peace Conference will be held on an unspecified date in the middle of March, though it was earlier scheduled to commence on February 28.

Shan Herald Agency for News

Shan Herald Agency for News


SNLD kicks off by-election campaign in Shan State

Posted: 15 Feb 2017 10:59 PM PST

The Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) on Wednesday launched its campaign for April's by-election, with candidates running in all seven constituencies where polls will be held in Shan State.

The Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) campaign during the 2015 general election.

Speaking to Shan Herald on Thursday, SNLD spokesperson Sai Lek said that party members kicked off the campaign in Kehsi, Monghsu and Kengtung townships on February 15. He explained that the candidates' main task will be to explain the party's policies to the electorate.

"We have started campaigning in all seven constituencies: three in Kehsi, another three in Monghsu, and one in Kengtung township," he said. "We are laying out our policies and helping voters understand how to cast their ballots.

Polling in Kehsi and Monghsu tonwships was cancelled during the general election in November 2015 because of fighting between the Tatmadaw [Burmese government forces] and the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA).

"We will not be forcing people to vote for us," Sai Lek added. "We will explain to them that they can vote freely and for whomever they wish. We are taking time to explain the voting process.

"During the general elections in 1990, 2010 and 2015, many people in Shan State did not understand the responsibilities of voting. To this day, many still don't truly understand the process, and that's why we are explaining it to them. This is the main issue we are addressing.

"We will contest all seven seats," Sai Lek said. "If the public supports us, we believe we will win them all."

In the 2015 election, the SNLD, commonly known as the 'Tiger Head Party,' won a total of 40 seats, making it the second strongest party in Shan State, next to the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP).
Its main rival, the Shan National Democratic Party (SNDP), won only one constituency in the last general election; that was a State Assembly seat in Mong Pan Township. The SNDP will also contest all available seats in the April 1 by-election.

However, the newly formed Eastern Shan State Development Democratic Party (ESSDDP) has announced that it will not contest any seats at the upcoming by-election unless its sister parties, the SNLD and SNDP, cooperate with them.

According to a Union Election Commission (UEC) announcement on October 1, a total of 18 vacant seats will be up for grabs in both Union and regional parliaments on April 1.

Constituencies under the control of the United Wa State Army (UWSA) – namely Panghsang, Narpan, Pangwai and Mongmaw – as well as Mongla Township, which is the headquarters of the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA), have not announced whether they will hold polling for the by-election.


By Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN)

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


Kachin National Conference to Commence in Myitkyina

Posted: 15 Feb 2017 07:32 AM PST

Since a national level political dialogue led by the KIA could not be held without signing the NCA, the idea for the conference was born.

The post Kachin National Conference to Commence in Myitkyina appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

New National Security Adviser Discusses Arakan State, Peace Process at First Meeting

Posted: 15 Feb 2017 05:13 AM PST

National security adviser U Thaung Tun meets with international ambassadors and diplomats in his first official engagement since his appointment.

The post New National Security Adviser Discusses Arakan State, Peace Process at First Meeting appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Third Suspect Named in U Ko Ni Assassination Plot

Posted: 15 Feb 2017 05:05 AM PST

The President's Office says suspect Aung Win Khaing, a former army Lt-Col, allegedly offered to pay his brother 100 million kyats to murder U Ko Ni.

The post Third Suspect Named in U Ko Ni Assassination Plot appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Burma Army Seizes Two Military Bases from Mon Armed Group

Posted: 15 Feb 2017 04:42 AM PST

The Burma Army actions are believed to be retaliation for Sunday's Mon National Day celebration, in which the MNLA held a military parade.

The post Burma Army Seizes Two Military Bases from Mon Armed Group appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Special Edition Aung San Postage Stamps to be Released in March

Posted: 15 Feb 2017 04:31 AM PST

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is issuing special edition Gen Aung San postage stamps to commemorate the ministry's 70th anniversary.

The post Special Edition Aung San Postage Stamps to be Released in March appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Lawmaker Questions Letpadaung Revenues

Posted: 15 Feb 2017 04:04 AM PST

The government has announced receiving US$20 million from royalties, production sharing, commercial taxes, and income taxes in an eight-month period.

The post Lawmaker Questions Letpadaung Revenues appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Families of 1947 Panglong Signatories Voice Support for 21st Century Panglong

Posted: 15 Feb 2017 03:30 AM PST

The family members release a five-point statement on the 70th Union Day anniversary in Panglong town, Shan State.

The post Families of 1947 Panglong Signatories Voice Support for 21st Century Panglong appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Private Investors Invited to Bankroll Mrauk-U Airport Project

Posted: 15 Feb 2017 01:17 AM PST

The Arakan State government hopes to finish construction within three to five years by inviting project funding from private investors.

The post Private Investors Invited to Bankroll Mrauk-U Airport Project appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Sources say Chinese Authorities Meet KNU Leadership in Kunming

Posted: 14 Feb 2017 11:10 PM PST

KNU Chairman Saw Mutu Say Poe believed to be invited by Chinese authorities to discuss China's role in Burma's peace process.

The post Sources say Chinese Authorities Meet KNU Leadership in Kunming appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

National News

National News


Legal action over seized timber

Posted: 15 Feb 2017 12:02 AM PST

Nine months after the seizure of 489 tonnes of illegal timber in a forest area cordoned off for military research near Ban Thar village within the Ho Leik village tract in Mandalay Region's Pyin Oo Lwin township, legal action is finally being taken against those responsible.

Pure-bred Myanmar bulls attracting more breeders as prices soar

Posted: 14 Feb 2017 11:59 PM PST

The number of bull breeders has increased as pure-bred Myanmar bulls continue to sell at good market prices, according to cow breeders at a bull beauty pageant on February 12.

More than 30 species of migratory birds sojourn at Paleik Lake

Posted: 14 Feb 2017 11:55 PM PST

More than 30 species of migratory birds – including some rare species – are at the Paleik Inn (lake) in Tada-U town of Mandalay Region this winter season, said migratory bird watchers.

Competing for World Heritage status

Posted: 14 Feb 2017 11:53 PM PST

The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture will submit Shwedagon Pagoda and the primate fossil site in Pondaung in central Myanmar to be added to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation's (UNESCO) World Heritage tentative list following a discussion with UNESCO officials and relevant departments.

Bagan’s long, bumpy road to World Heritage listing

Posted: 14 Feb 2017 11:50 PM PST

Myanmar's ancient city of Bagan has one of the largest concentrations of temples and pagodas in the world, many of them more than 1000 years old, but despite its archaeological significance, its attempt to get World Heritage status has been fraught with obstacles.

Myanmar plans to sign labour pact with Japan

Posted: 14 Feb 2017 11:39 PM PST

Myanmar is planning to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Japanese government to send Myanmar workers to Japan, according to the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population on February 13.

Govt to issue stamp with Bogyoke’s image

Posted: 14 Feb 2017 11:36 PM PST

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on February 13 that it will be issuing official stamps with the image of Bogyoke (General) Aung San to commemorate the ministry's 70th Anniversary on March 17, 2017.

Letpadaung Copper Project to bring in US$20m

Posted: 14 Feb 2017 11:34 PM PST

The Letpadaung Copper Project, which is a joint venture between the Wanbao Mining Company from China, Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited and the Myanmar Government is expected to generate about US$20 million in its first 10 months for the State, said U Ohn Win, Union Minister for Natural Resources and Environment.

Lawyer says authorities violated student protester’s rights

Posted: 14 Feb 2017 11:27 PM PST

High court lawyer U Robert San Aung who is representing Ko Nyan Myo Aung, a student who staged a one-man protest earlier this month, has applied to the court to take action against the authorities for allegedly violating the privacy rights of his client.

National-level political dialogue in Chin State

Posted: 14 Feb 2017 11:21 PM PST

A national-level political dialogue will be held in the Chin State on February 28, involving the Chin National Front (CNF), political parties and civil society organisations.

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine


North Korean Leader’s Half Brother Killed in Malaysia: Source

Posted: 14 Feb 2017 06:11 AM PST

The estranged half-brother of Kim Jong Un has been killed, according to a South Korean government source.

The post North Korean Leader's Half Brother Killed in Malaysia: Source appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Motorbike Driver Says Mon Police Requested Bribes

Posted: 14 Feb 2017 05:43 AM PST

Police from Kamawat village demanded 90,000 kyats payment for each confiscated motorbike, one taxi motorbike owner says.

The post Motorbike Driver Says Mon Police Requested Bribes appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

CNF to Proceed with National-Level Political Dialogue

Posted: 14 Feb 2017 03:58 AM PST

Although a mandatory step of the nationwide ceasefire agreement, the Chin National Front had previously been told not to hold the dialogue by the govt.

The post CNF to Proceed with National-Level Political Dialogue appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Foreign Direct Investment Goal Reached Ahead of Schedule

Posted: 14 Feb 2017 03:48 AM PST

The Myanmar Investment Commission expects to surpass its annual goal of US$6 billion in foreign investment before the fiscal year ends.

The post Foreign Direct Investment Goal Reached Ahead of Schedule appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Death Sentence for Maungdaw Attacker Raises Questions About State Executions in Burma

Posted: 14 Feb 2017 03:39 AM PST

It is unknown if the man convicted had legal representation. Will the government commute his sentence or carry out Burma's first hanging in decades?

The post Death Sentence for Maungdaw Attacker Raises Questions About State Executions in Burma appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Ethnic Armed Groups Reject Burma Army Accusations of Killings, Abuses

Posted: 14 Feb 2017 12:29 AM PST

Kachin Independence Army spokesperson labels Burma Army statements on conflict 'unfounded allegations'

The post Ethnic Armed Groups Reject Burma Army Accusations of Killings, Abuses appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Peace and Trust in the Karen Hills

Posted: 13 Feb 2017 11:00 PM PST

Across southeast Burma, ceasefires are holding and communities are beginning to recover from decades of armed conflict.

The post Peace and Trust in the Karen Hills appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

KNU Leader Remembered on Anniversary of Assassination

Posted: 13 Feb 2017 10:27 PM PST

As a statue of Padoh Mahn Sha Lah Phan is unveiled in his hometown, the foundation set up by his children announces annual award recipient.

The post KNU Leader Remembered on Anniversary of Assassination appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Ten Things to do in Rangoon This Week

Posted: 13 Feb 2017 09:44 PM PST

Take your pick of Valentine's events, from a variety of musical performances to a poetry reading.

The post Ten Things to do in Rangoon This Week appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Malaysian Aid Ship Docks in Bangladesh

Posted: 13 Feb 2017 08:35 PM PST

A representative of the mission says it would unload food and emergency supplies in Bangladesh, though staff were not being allowed access.

The post Malaysian Aid Ship Docks in Bangladesh appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

National News

National News


Yadanabon Zoological Garden welcomes its newest resident

Posted: 14 Feb 2017 12:13 AM PST

The Yadanabon Zoological Garden, near Mandalay Hill, welcomed an inn kyar (pond tiger) on February 10.

Free training on natural food production in Nay Pyi Taw

Posted: 14 Feb 2017 12:11 AM PST

Training methods for the production of food and cosmetics from natural fruit will be offered free of charge in the Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory.

Two laws to be amended to solve land disputes

Posted: 14 Feb 2017 12:10 AM PST

To resolve disputes over confiscated lands and to streamline the process of returning them to the rightful owners, the Union government will amend two land-related laws, said Dr Aung Thu, Union Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation.

Support Daw Aung San Suu Kyi out of respect for Bogyoke, urges Speaker

Posted: 14 Feb 2017 12:03 AM PST

The Speaker of Pyidaungsu Hluttaw and Amyotha Hluttaw, U Mahn Win Khaing Than, urged the people of Myanmar to support State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in all her work out of respect for her father Bogyoke Aung San, who is also known as the Father of Independence.

U Bein Bridge repair works to continue

Posted: 13 Feb 2017 11:58 PM PST

Repairs and maintenance work on Mandalay Region's famed U Bein Bridge in the Amarapura township are set to resume.

Education plans for illiterate, special needs children ready by April

Posted: 13 Feb 2017 11:55 PM PST

Plans to raise the literacy rate in the country and to provide education to less fortunate children and youth will be ready by April end, said Dr Khine Myae, director general for the Alternative Education Department.

Plans underway for psycho-social welfare for women vocational schools

Posted: 13 Feb 2017 11:53 PM PST

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma), or the AAPP, and the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement are planning to cooperate to offer psycho-social support programs at selected women's vocational schools, said Ma Khin Nyein Chan Soe, Counselor and Trainer of the Mental Health Assistance Program of AAPP.

Trust more important, as NRPC chair calls for self-confidence

Posted: 13 Feb 2017 11:47 PM PST

"Self-Confidence" is a recurring call that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi presented in her speech at the event of Union Day held in the town of Panglong in Shan State, the historic place where Bogyoke Aung San signed the Panglong Agreement with the Kachin, Chin and Shan leaders to gain independence from British colonial rule 70 years ago on February 12.

PACE blames UEC for not checking voter lists for April polls

Posted: 13 Feb 2017 11:35 PM PST

An independent electoral watchdog has claimed that the Union Election Commission (UEC) has failed to live up to its promise of checking the voter lists for the April 1, 2017 by-elections.

Campaign launched to include locals in NVC steering committee

Posted: 13 Feb 2017 11:30 PM PST

Local residents in Taunggok and Thandwe townships launched a signature campaign on February 12 to call for Rakhines and civil society organisations to be included in the formation of the steering committee for the issuance of the National Verification Card (NVC).